As I begin my tenure as president of the OCBA, I wanted to start with a heartfelt thank you to this remarkable organization. It seems like yesterday that I was a wide-eyed law student visiting an Inns of Court program, inspired by the presenters’ advocacy skills and the members’ vibrant fellowship. I knew then that I would join the OCBA. I did not know that I would be the organization’s president almost 18 years later.
Ever since I participated in the OCBA’s swearing-in ceremony as a newly minted attorney, I have endeavored to take on a meaningful role. After the ceremony, I had the great honor of serving as Judge Leo Bowman’s staff attorney, which gave me the opportunity to meet many of the colleagues I would see around the bar. After joining the Inns of Court program as an associate attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, I began to build significant connections.
When former OCBA president Tom Howlett asked me to run for the board after five years of practice, I was humbled, but I felt too junior for the role. The OCBA seemed almost larger than life. There was no way I could join the board!
By God’s grace, it happened. And from that moment on, I was welcomed with open arms. I am tremendously grateful to Tom Howlett for his confidence in me at that time and throughout my career.
The OCBA’s mission is to “serve the needs of our members, improve the justice system, and ensure the delivery of quality legal services to the public.” Over the years, I have seen the tenets of this mission exemplified in a number of ways. A few have made an indelible impression on me.
Insightful Programming
The exceptional programming the organization offers has regularly impressed me. Indeed, we have consistently delivered practical, high-quality content that benefits seasoned practitioners and new lawyers alike. The sheer breadth of topics, ranging from substantive law to practice management, demonstrates that the OCBA recognizes its members needs and works to provide them with the tools to succeed. I have personally benefited from the exceptional quality of these events, and I look forward to attending more in the future.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
When I joined the OCBA, I began participating in early iterations of its diversity committee. I had several opportunities to speak with the late Michael K. Lee, who was then an OCBA board member. Through our various conversations, I sensed that the organization’s commitment to diversity was sincere. That commitment did not extend merely to the OCBA itself — though diversifying the association was a key goal — but also to the Oakland County legal community as a whole, such that it would reflect the community it served. As I have participated in and later co-chaired the OCBA’s diversity efforts, I believe that we are making strides to advance our mission, and I look forward to continuing that work.
Exceptional Staff
We have been blessed with an awesome staff throughout my tenure with the OCBA. Jennifer Quick, Katie Tillinger, and the OCBA’s talented staff members have done a tremendous job running the organization. I am regularly awed by their boundless energy for this work, the high level of professionalism they bring to every task and event, and their unwavering commitment to bettering the association. The OCBA is truly a first-class organization in every way, due in no small part to our superb staff.
Outstanding Leadership Examples
While serving on the OCBA board for the last 10 years, I have witnessed incredible examples of leadership. Each OCBA president I have been privileged to serve alongside has exemplified thoughtful, conscientious leadership. As I watched each of them navigate the various challenges of their bar year, I learned ways to project strength in high-pressure situations, provide clear direction, and demonstrate dedicated commitment to the organization’s mission and purpose. Each president brought their own style, and all of them were effective. I hope to follow in their footsteps.
Lasting Friendships
Finally, my time with the OCBA has allowed me to build lasting friendships. I have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life. I enjoy many relationships today that would not have been possible without the OCBA’s events and gatherings. I remain thankful for the opportunity to have connected with many OCBA members, and I hope to continue doing so in the future.
My goal as president is to carry on the amazing work of my predecessors. To that end, I hope to work with the board, staff, committees, and general membership to, among other things, (1) reinforce the bar’s commitment to the rule of law, (2) remind our lawyers of the importance of civility in practice, and (3) advance the association’s diversity mission. The journey ahead excites me, and I have no doubt that, working collectively, we will achieve each of these goals.
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Aaron V. Burrell, of Dickinson Wright PLLC, is the 94th president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
Ever since I participated in the OCBA’s swearing-in ceremony as a newly minted attorney, I have endeavored to take on a meaningful role. After the ceremony, I had the great honor of serving as Judge Leo Bowman’s staff attorney, which gave me the opportunity to meet many of the colleagues I would see around the bar. After joining the Inns of Court program as an associate attorney at Dickinson Wright PLLC, I began to build significant connections.
When former OCBA president Tom Howlett asked me to run for the board after five years of practice, I was humbled, but I felt too junior for the role. The OCBA seemed almost larger than life. There was no way I could join the board!
By God’s grace, it happened. And from that moment on, I was welcomed with open arms. I am tremendously grateful to Tom Howlett for his confidence in me at that time and throughout my career.
The OCBA’s mission is to “serve the needs of our members, improve the justice system, and ensure the delivery of quality legal services to the public.” Over the years, I have seen the tenets of this mission exemplified in a number of ways. A few have made an indelible impression on me.
Insightful Programming
The exceptional programming the organization offers has regularly impressed me. Indeed, we have consistently delivered practical, high-quality content that benefits seasoned practitioners and new lawyers alike. The sheer breadth of topics, ranging from substantive law to practice management, demonstrates that the OCBA recognizes its members needs and works to provide them with the tools to succeed. I have personally benefited from the exceptional quality of these events, and I look forward to attending more in the future.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
When I joined the OCBA, I began participating in early iterations of its diversity committee. I had several opportunities to speak with the late Michael K. Lee, who was then an OCBA board member. Through our various conversations, I sensed that the organization’s commitment to diversity was sincere. That commitment did not extend merely to the OCBA itself — though diversifying the association was a key goal — but also to the Oakland County legal community as a whole, such that it would reflect the community it served. As I have participated in and later co-chaired the OCBA’s diversity efforts, I believe that we are making strides to advance our mission, and I look forward to continuing that work.
Exceptional Staff
We have been blessed with an awesome staff throughout my tenure with the OCBA. Jennifer Quick, Katie Tillinger, and the OCBA’s talented staff members have done a tremendous job running the organization. I am regularly awed by their boundless energy for this work, the high level of professionalism they bring to every task and event, and their unwavering commitment to bettering the association. The OCBA is truly a first-class organization in every way, due in no small part to our superb staff.
Outstanding Leadership Examples
While serving on the OCBA board for the last 10 years, I have witnessed incredible examples of leadership. Each OCBA president I have been privileged to serve alongside has exemplified thoughtful, conscientious leadership. As I watched each of them navigate the various challenges of their bar year, I learned ways to project strength in high-pressure situations, provide clear direction, and demonstrate dedicated commitment to the organization’s mission and purpose. Each president brought their own style, and all of them were effective. I hope to follow in their footsteps.
Lasting Friendships
Finally, my time with the OCBA has allowed me to build lasting friendships. I have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life. I enjoy many relationships today that would not have been possible without the OCBA’s events and gatherings. I remain thankful for the opportunity to have connected with many OCBA members, and I hope to continue doing so in the future.
My goal as president is to carry on the amazing work of my predecessors. To that end, I hope to work with the board, staff, committees, and general membership to, among other things, (1) reinforce the bar’s commitment to the rule of law, (2) remind our lawyers of the importance of civility in practice, and (3) advance the association’s diversity mission. The journey ahead excites me, and I have no doubt that, working collectively, we will achieve each of these goals.
————————
Aaron V. Burrell, of Dickinson Wright PLLC, is the 94th president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
